October eWaste recycling event announced by University of Hawaii

Event provides an opportunity to safely recycle electronics for free

Approximately 1.3 million pounds of ewaste was collected during the last event in 2010.

In 2010, 70 containers were filled with ewaste.

HONOLULU (August 15, 2012) — The University of Hawai‘i has announced a free electronics ewaste recycling event to be conducted in the islands during October 2012.

This will be the fourth installment of the biennial Education & Government eWaste Disposal Days program, which provides an opportunity for safe and environmentally friendly disposal of unwanted ewaste. All equipment collected is processed in an environmentally responsible method and recycled into commodity grade materials.

Collection of equipment will be conducted between October 25 and October 27 at six UH campus locations on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island. A seventh drop off site at Kealakehe High School in Kailua-Kona will be provided by the Hawai‘i State Department of Education in support of the recycling effort.

Visit the program’s webpage for an announcement of collection times and information concerning the types of equipment accepted at www.hawaii.edu/ewaste

The Education and Government eWaste Disposal Days program is open to:

All public or private schools or universities

All City, County, State or Federal/Military branches

Small to medium sized businesses (of less than 100 employees)

Non-profit organizations

Hawai‘i household residents

According to current statistics from the Consumer Electronics Association, Americans now own approximately 24 electronic products per household, with businesses utilizing an even higher rate of machines. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that when electronics reach their end of use most are discarded into landfills where some of their components may cause serious public health or environmental contamination problems.

“The University of Hawai‘i System and our campuses are committed to responsible disposal of our ewaste and we’re delighted that we are able to extend this free program to schools, small businesses, non-profits and government agencies on four islands,” said David Lassner, UH vice president for information technology and chief information officer.

Pre-registration is required through the UH program’s webpage for schools, small businesses, non-profits, or government offices that wish to drop off equipment. Registration is not required for household residents to recycle their unwanted personal electronic ewaste on Saturday, October 27. All recycling and disposal services for the program are provided courtesy of Apple.

Further details concerning the Education & Government eWaste Disposal Days 2012 program are available at: